Shetland Sheepdog Breeds
The small, active Shetland Sheepdog (nicknamed the Sheltie) was once a Scottish farmer’s best friend: sounding the alarm when anyone approached the property, barking at birds and other animals to shoo them from the garden, and later, with crosses to Scottish herding dogs, keeping the sheep flocks in line. While at first glance they look like a smaller version of the Rough Collie, the two are distinctly different breeds.
Find a Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie breeder with a puppy for sale. If you can’t find any dog breeders for a certain breed then place a Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie wanted ad. Once you find a puppy, shop our pet supplies and dog supplies at our online pet supply store. Remember that reputable Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie breeders will always require you to answer specific questions ranging from asking you to explain why you would want a Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie puppy to requesting you to provide a veterinary reference if you already have pets.
The Shetland Sheepdog was used as herding - both sheep and cattle - dogs and also as an alert guard of the croft. Extremely biddable today they excel at Obedience because of their great desire to please. The guarding element in the Shetland nature means that they are reserved towards strangers, but never nervous. They are very active dogs; their dainty appearance belies their great energy, though they are equally happy as a busy housedog as going for long walks.
The Shetland Sheepdog has been developed over the centuries on the Shetland Islands, were it was used for herding sheep. They are extremely intelligent and easy to train; they do very well in obedience. They make wonderful family pets, as they love to be around you and are very affectionate. They are very alert so make great watchdogs; they tend to be shy with strangers.
The duties of the Sheltie were to tend small flocks of sheep and to keep them out of the home garden. Albeit a tireless worker and very attractive, it is the personality of the Shetland Sheepdog which endears it to man. The Sheltie dog lives to please. It is intensely loyal, affectionate, intelligent, a very quick learner, highly trainable and very obedient. Although inclined to be reserved with strangers, it must never be shy or timid. A Shetland Sheepdog requires a lot of exercise, several times per day.
Unstable temperaments. Shelties are a dime a dozen, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don’t have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see lots of highstrung Shelties with neurotic behaviors, including skittishness, hyperactivity, and mindless yapping.
